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The success story of Mrs Spanx

With the reviving of Sofischoice, I also want to add some “business touch” to the blog. There is a new category called career stuff. I am intrigued by successful business women and their way to the top. This article about Sara Blakely, a corporate power woman, is the start of many more business stories to be shared. Nothing too boring, but things we can all learn from.

Sara Blakely is the youngest self-made female billionaire.
Now that is a title to be proud of!

Sara is the founder of shape wear company Spanx. 15 years ago, at the age of 29, she invested her $5,000 life savings trying to come up with something flattering to wear under her white slacks. The rest is history.

SWOT

Earlier this year, at the Forbes Women’s Summit in New York, Blakely shared her best advice for entrepreneurs:

“As soon as you can afford to, hire your weaknesses,” she said. “What you’re not good at is usually what you don’t like.”

Blakely hired a CEO to run the business when Spanx was just two years old. This allowed her to focus on the things she was good at, such as marketing, selling on QVC, and inventing new products.

No matter what your personality or skills may be, understanding how you can add the most value is the surest path to success.

Secret weapon

But a weakness can also be a secret weapon as Sara explains:

“One of my greatest weaknesses, is also one of my greatest strengths: being underestimated.“

When you think of it, that is just brilliant. Women are so often undervalued in the business environment, that when you are competent and smart… you can win them over by surprise. Now that is something to keep in mind next time you are in front of a male audience.

Social Responsibility

She is not just at the high of her game when it comes to business and making money, she is also great at giving some of her wealth to charities supporting women and girls.

In 2013, she was the first female billionaire to join the Giving Pledge, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s bid to encourage the world’s richest people to give at least half their wealth to charity.